Poppies

Posted by Joe on: 11.06.2007 /

white poppy

For many people, 11 November is a very sad and poignant day. In the UK and other parts of the Commonwealth, Remembrance Day is an occasion when old soldiers are remembered and red poppies are sold in aid of veterans charities. Yet since the 1930s, peaceniks have been wearing an alternative white poppy to signify a rejection of the language of war and as hope for a better, more peaceful world.

This year I will also be wearing white, and at the same time I will be supporting charities which work with old veterans.

2 Responses to "Poppies"

Comment by: Rachel
1 11/6/07 6:19 PM | Comment Link |
Joe, November 11th is a day of remembrance in the United States as well. We call it Veterans Day and our veterans also sell little red poppies. Several years ago I went the Memorial Day service at the VFW Hall (Veterans of Foreign Wars). They had songs and speeches and a flag salute. I wore my Rosie the Riveter t-shirt and I cried and cried when they played “Taps.” I went up to some of the elderly men with their blue WW2 caps and thanked them for their service. I truly felt proud to be an American.

But the last several Veteran’s Days, as things have gotten worse in Iraq and my belief in the Empire has crumbled, I couldn’t bear to go back. I still want to honor our soldiers, especially those who defeated Hitler, but it’s hard to know how. I won’t say the Pledge of Allegiance anymore or sing “I’m proud to be an American.” But I do love my country and I’m proud of my relatives who served. Joe, I like your idea of supporting charities that work with elderly veterans. That seems like a good way to remember.
Comment by: Benjamin ady
2 11/6/07 8:49 PM | Comment Link |
Rachel, Joe
another idea that’s been kicking around in the back of my mind is getting involved in helping with one of the many organizations who are helping iraq war vets whose lives have been destroyed in various ways by this war, including the tens of thousands who have been injured, many having lost limbs or other important bits, and the many many many who are suffering from PTSD.